Michael Johnson controversy

[triz]

shambles. what is an inclusion advisory board and why are they putting a confessed homophobe on it?


edit:he does seemed to learn from his initial mistakes though - view external link

[swaledale]

I guess a repentant sinner (not that I'm in any way religous) may well be able to reach those who still have unpalatable views?

[Rapid]

it's classic FA isn't it?

it wouldn't have been particularly bad if they were aware of it before the appointment, as from what he has said he's done exactly what they want other people to do, educated himself into changing his views.

at the end of the day a board of directors will have many specialisms; finance, marketing, production etc. clearly they've appointed jonno because of what he can do on the racism front.

maybe a bit harsh to call him a homophobe just because he didn't back a campaign at the time. he didn't stand up and say 'I hate gay people'. he just said he wasn't backing a campaign based on how he interpreted the bible.

when he played for derby I thought jonno was a great pro and always came across as a real nice guy. so hopefully he can make a difference.

[Stringer_Bell]

I don't think it's harsh to call him homophobic. It doesn't matter if that's part of his culture. If so it's a homophobic culture from our perspective.

I'm being totally presumptuous here and I acknowledge that, but I'd hazard a guess that Johnson has inherited his views from Jamaican family as he played for the national team - and Jamaica is a notoriously homophobic nation.

It's typical Britain not typical FA. Expect everybody to be tolerant of people struggling to be tolerant themselves.

[Rattea]

Its Prejudice of one type or another tho isnt it. Should be regardless of Race, Colour or ***ual Orientation. You cannt pick and choose which ones suit you and try and justify them through the supposed ramblings of a mythical person!

He's not been asked to be part of it or embrace it just to be tollerant and understanding of it. Not to say things that can breed negativity and bad feeling towards a group in any way.

If he hasnt got anything positive to say then just say nothing on such human rights subjects of high tension and volitility.

Is that really that difficult?

[Rattea]

Looks like it's been recognised and he's gone.

Pity he's pictured in our kit on the subject! - view external link

[Rattea]

Interesting timing of the announcement! - view external link

[clough08]

I think Johnson has acted with great humility. He made a mistake, owned up, educated himself on the subject and changed his views. What's wrong with that? If only the FA and some of our politicians were so willing to do likewise.

Well done Michael - good player too.

[triz]

Yh you can't really argue with how he has acted and altered his views after making the statement, but i don't think he should be on that board given what he initially said about gay people

[triz]

Interesting timing of the announcement!

Its great news that some ex players are now coming out, it implies that there is a real change happening in the views of footballers and fans. But there are still no trailblazer that have come out whilst still playing high profile football (that i can remember) Fashanu aside, so obviously the gay footballers don't feel confident that it wont adversely effect there career yet.